Super Eagles stars Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel face fresh competition for Nigeria’s right-back shirt after Abdullahi Bewene declared his intention to force his way back into Eric Chelle’s plans, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 21-year-old was omitted from the Super Eagles squad for the September 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau despite impressing on his debut earlier this year, but has returned to the fold for Tuesday’s friendly against Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
The versatile defender has not hidden his hunger ahead of the fixture, telling Footy-Africa in an interview that he intends to make the most of another chance to prove himself for Nigeria.
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Bewene fires warning to Aina and Osayi-Samuel
Bewene made his Super Eagles debut in Nigeria’s 2-2 friendly draw against Poland in Warsaw in June, playing all 90 minutes in a backline that featured Igoh Ogbu, Emmanuel Fernandez and Bruno Onyemaechi, before following up with a 31-minute substitute appearance in Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Portugal in Lisbon seven days later.
The Jos-born defender, nicknamed “Abba Messi” in Nigerian football circles, signed a five-year contract extension with Banik Ostrava in the summer, ending transfer speculation that had linked him with Ajax, Anderlecht, Burnley, Slavia Prague and Sparta Prague.
Speaking to Footy-Africa, Bewene admitted his disappointment at missing the September AFCON qualifier squad.
“Like I told you last time, I am very happy to be back in the national team after my previous outing before the World Cup, when we played Poland and Portugal,” the Banik-Ostrava defender said.
“I would have loved to make the squad for the AFCON qualifiers, but I am still happy to be part of this team.”
The quote lays down a marker that both Aina and Osayi-Samuel will need to pay attention to ahead of the November AFCON qualifiers against Tanzania.
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Bewene vows no fear against Russia
Bewene’s second comment captured the mindset he has carried into the Russia camp.
“It is always a good feeling when your talent is recognised and appreciated, and I am very grateful for this chance.
“I do not take it for granted. Russia at home are very dangerous and will cause us a lot of problems, but we will be ready for them.
“We respect them, but we do not fear anyone.”
Abdullahi Bewene, who can also operate as a right wing-back and defensive midfielder, made 38 appearances for Banik across all three roles during the 2025/26 season.
Chelle’s willingness to deploy him at right-back for his debut, combined with his versatility at club level, has placed him on the Super Eagles head coach’s long-term radar.
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Chelle building future Super Eagles with October squad
Bewene’s most telling comment confirmed that Chelle used the October window to hone his under-23 squad, although a 30-year-old Kelechi Iheanacho was included in that list.
“We will give it our best shot and hopefully get something from the game.
“I am also happy that most of the group are within a certain age range, which means the coach is building for the future, and luckily, he sees me as part of that. Nigeria has a lot of talent, and for me to be here is a blessing.
“We will do our best to get a good result, which will boost our confidence going forward,” he concluded.
Kick-off time for the Russia fixture has been set to 5:00 PM WAT on Tuesday.
